to be attempted

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be attempted" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a task or goal that one might endeavor to achieve. For example, "The project was too difficult to be completed, but we have determined that it can at least be attempted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This has triggered a deadline of 31 December 2017 for the moonshot to be attempted.

The Guardian

But these interactions have to be attempted so frequently that they lead to fatigue and jaundice.

The Guardian

They have to be attempted, however, for moral as much as electoral reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was not a road to be attempted in the dark.

The Guardian - Travel

At first, it sounded like something medical, only to be attempted if recommended by a doctor.

The Guardian

This labels the Games "an appealing target", with attacks on public transport "some of the more likely to be attempted".

Independent

O2 Academy, Liverpool, Wed; touring to 24 Jul JR Soul music, especially in these post-sampling days, is not to be attempted by the fainthearted.

The Guardian - Music

At the end of 2008 I got the call: the production – the most expensive and technically ambitious to be attempted on Broadway – was to go ahead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And he has removed so many problems, with filigreed sure-handed finesse: there was a 15-hour operation once, but it had to be attempted.

The Guardian - Books

Locals will drink six "long blacks" in one sitting – not to be attempted if you're unused to New Zealand's strong coffee.

The Guardian - Travel

It was here that land speed records used to be attempted: Malcolm Campbell being the first to break the record in 1924.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be attempted" to describe actions or processes where the success is not guaranteed but the effort is worth undertaking. This conveys a sense of possibility and potential effort.

Common error

Avoid using "to be attempted" in excessive passive voice constructions, as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Opt for active voice where possible for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be attempted" functions as a passive infinitive. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is in a state of being considered or subjected to an attempt. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be attempted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive infinitive phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. It's common across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news reporting, conveying the potential or necessity of an action, often when the result is uncertain. When writing, remember it's more appropriate to use its active form in order to get a more clear and direct statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be tried

This alternative is more direct and implies a test or experiment.

to be undertaken

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the initiation of a project or task.

to be pursued

This alternative suggests a determined effort toward a goal.

to be tackled

This alternative implies facing a challenge or problem head-on.

to be executed

This alternative focuses on the carrying out or implementation of a plan.

to be enacted

This alternative is commonly used in legal or formal contexts to mean to put into action.

to be ventured

This alternative suggests an element of risk or uncertainty.

to be initiated

This alternative emphasizes the beginning or starting point of an action.

to be addressed

This alternative suggests dealing with a specific issue or problem.

to be handled

This alternative implies managing or dealing with a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "to be attempted" in a sentence?

You can use "to be attempted" to describe a task, goal, or action that someone is considering trying, even if the outcome is uncertain. For example, "The surgery is risky, but it's the only option left "to be attempted"".

What are some alternatives to "to be attempted"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to be tried", "to be undertaken", or "to be pursued".

Is it better to say "to attempt" or "to be attempted"?

The choice depends on whether you want to use active or passive voice. "To attempt" is active (e.g., "We will attempt the climb"), while "to be attempted" is passive (e.g., "The climb is "to be attempted" by us"). Use active voice for clarity and directness.

What does "likely to be attempted" mean?

"Likely "to be attempted"" means that there is a high probability or expectation that a particular action or task will be tried or undertaken. For example, "A renewed offensive is likely "to be attempted"".